Terrible grinding noise, and difficulty turning
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Fort Mcmurray Alberta
Terrible grinding noise, and difficulty turning
I have an 09 rubi JKU on 37"s, I have about 200 kms on a metalcloak 3.5. First trip out I heard this brutal grinding noise on the trail, sometimes flexing and sometimes just over small obstacles. Having the new lift I figured that was the cause, something rubbing. Got it home and couldn't see anything rubbing or a cause for the noise. Next trip out same thing at first, but more often. When I got back on the highway the noise continued and steering became next to impossible. It almost feels as if the diffs are still locked. Lights for the lockers are off and the brutal grinding noise remains. My thought is the steering box, but it gave no indication prior to this, no whining, grinding etc. Any ideas?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Apex, NC
I have an 09 rubi JKU on 37"s, I have about 200 kms on a metalcloak 3.5. First trip out I heard this brutal grinding noise on the trail, sometimes flexing and sometimes just over small obstacles. Having the new lift I figured that was the cause, something rubbing. Got it home and couldn't see anything rubbing or a cause for the noise. Next trip out same thing at first, but more often. When I got back on the highway the noise continued and steering became next to impossible. It almost feels as if the diffs are still locked. Lights for the lockers are off and the brutal grinding noise remains. My thought is the steering box, but it gave no indication prior to this, no whining, grinding etc. Any ideas?
Id be surprised if anyone commits to guessing what your issue is based on what your listing above as it could be hundreds of things....
Former Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,195
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From: The great State of Reality
And I am sure that you have checked to be sure that the 4 wheel drive is disengaged on dry surfaces. Did you check that the transfer case cable is not broken leaving you in 4wd? And yes I know 4wd light in instrument cluster should be on in that case but just have to ask.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Fort Mcmurray Alberta
New tom woods 1350 in the rear, my metalcloak lift replaced a crappy 4" lift, so my driveline angles have greatly improved, I haven't taken a really close look at the front d/s yet but it only has 10,000km on it. Any input is welcome guys. Thanks
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Have you popped the hood or crawled underneath to actually take a look at anything? Front or rear? Metal on metal? Rubber on plastic? Only when turning? Only in 4wd? If you think it is the steering box, what have you done to check it?If it feels like the diff is still locker, how does the gear oil look? Have you popped the cover to check the gears/locker? Any excess play in the pinion? Ujoints ok? It's kinda hard to help with any kind of diagnosis with no real information to go on...